HC Deb 05 December 1977 vol 940 cc489-90W
Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what suggestions as to a distinctive designation for public companies he has received in response to his Department's request for comments contained in paragraph 18 of its explanatory and consultative note "Implementation of the Second EEC Directive on Company Law".

Mr. Clinton Davis

The proposal which has received most support has been that in place of "Limited" or "Ltd". public companies should use the designation "Public Limited Company" or "PLC". There has been significant support for "Incorporated" or "Inc". although there has also been some, express opposition to this. Other suggestions made include "Public Company Limited", "Corporation", "Limited Corporation", "Limited (P)", "Corporate Body" and "Public Limited".

Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many comments he has received on his Department's explanatory and consultative note "Implementation of the Second EEC Directive on Company Law"; which of the proposals the comments related to; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Clinton Davis

My Department has received 55 written representations commenting on the whole range of proposals set out in the note "Imeplementation of the Second EEC Directive on Company Law". The comments that we have received are of considerable assistance in preparing the Bill to implement the directive, which I intend to introduce in the new year.